Malacca cafe guide
Image credits: @oktavialesmana, @jadedsaltine, @yuannyyuan, @halia_inc
If you’re an avid cafe-hopper who’s already chiong-ed through all the cafes in Singapore and our neighbour JB, perhaps it’s time you took your food-ventures a little further by hopping onto a $30 bus ride to Malacca. This town might be known for its Peranakan culture and food, but it’s got some cool hipster cafes up its sleeve too – all serving yummy nosh at affordable prices.
So escape from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, into the charming city of Malacca, where you can chill over pastries and a cold cuppa without spending too much. Here are 11 cafes in Malacca worth a weekend trip for:
1. The Daily Fix – hidden gem at Jonker Street
Image credit: @graciemoonie
You wouldn’t be able to find The Daily Fix unless you look out specially for a small sign displayed in a souvenir shop at Jonker Street – making it a truly hidden gem. It boasts a vintage interior, with antiques as decorations.
Image credit: @imachantel
The food and drinks at The Daily Fix have good portions that will fuel you for the day ahead without draining your wallet. They’re famous for their pancakes (RM 9.90 onwards) with local toppings such as gula melaka and salted egg yolk. If you’re going for a more savoury option, their breakfast sets (RM 15-20) will fill you up with generous servings of egg, sausages, ham and baked beans.
Plus point: there’s no service charge despite the staff’s impeccable service.
Image credit: @jewelover
The Daily Fix
Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 9AM – 11.30PM | Sat – Sun 8.30AM to 11.30PM
Telephone: +60 13-667 1178
Website
2. Kaya Kaya Cafe – vegan cafe with all-day breakfast
Image adapted from: @khayin.tah and @bao_py
Known for their hearty all-day breakfasts, Kaya Kaya serves up dishes like their signature Kaya Cheese Toast (RM 7), Mushroom Omelette (RM 14) and Pastas (RM 12-16). If you’re in for treating yourself, upgrade to a set meal for just a small amount to include a soup, salad and drink.
Image credit: Kaya Kaya Cafe
Kaya Cheese Toast
Image credit: eatplaysleepmelaka
One thing to note about Kaya Kaya is that they are vegan. But with their food tasting so good, you’ll be happy foregoing the meat for one meal.
Kaya Kaya Cafe
Address: 32, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka
Opening Hours: 8AM – 8PM, Daily (Closed on Weds)
Telephone: 018-9845351
Website
3. Limau-Limau Cafe – rustic cafe with an old-school charm
Image credit: Limau Limau Cafe
Breakfast sets at Limau-Limau Cafe come at a great prices, with coffee or tea included. One must-try item on the menu is the Ciabatta Bread Mozzarella Cheese Melt with Roasted Bell Pepper and Chicken (RM 15) – a favourite amongst those who love indulging in oozy cheese.
Ciabatta Bread Mozzarella Cheese Melt with Roasted Bell Peppers and Chicken
Image credit: Limau Limau Cafe
To quench your thirst on a hot day, try their coffee and juices (RM 8 onwards) which are said to be super gao – you won’t find yourself complaining ‘about watered down drinks here.
If you want some sweets, go for their Apple Crumble (RM 9.90) – served warm with 2 generous scoops of ice-cream.
Limau-Limau Cafe
Address: 9, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka
Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM, Daily (Closed on Tues and Weds)
Telephone: +60 12-609 9088
Website
4. Eat at 18 – organic nosh for the health-nuts
Image credit: choowenxuan
For those who are more health-conscious – this cafe’s for you. Serving up dishes made only using natural, organic ingredients, Eat at 18 is sure to leave you feeling satisfied, minus the guilt.
Their Victoria Sponge Splendor (RM15.90) comes with marmalade and berries, and goes great with a cup of earl grey tea.
Roasted Chicken Leg
Image credit: carris_chin
For those looking for more savoury options, the cafe’s roasted chicken leg (RM 28.90) is roasted on the spot when you order, and is served with bread and salad. The meat is cooked so tenderly that it falls off the bone.
Eat at 18 Cafe
Address: 18, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 8.30AM – 6PM (Closed on Tues)
Telephone: +60 6281 4679
Website
5. Bikini Toppings – refreshing coconut desserts and drinks
Image credit: @feliciagrace91
Bikini Toppings will transport you from the streets of Malacca to the sandy shores of Hawaii with its beachy interior. Slurp down some homemade coconut ice-cream (RM 6.90) with generous coconut strips, or coconut ice-blended drinks (RM 5.90) here and you’ll be refreshed instantly even after hours of exploring under the sun.
Malacca is well-known for its many murals which are great for photo opportunities – but be sure to look out for Bikini Topping’s wall as well on your photo walk!
Image credit: @cindytanquek
Bikini Topping’s Cafe
Address: 46 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon – Weds: 10AM – 5PM | Tues, Thurs – Sun: 10AM-6PM
Telephone: +60 12-316 6426
Website
6. Straits Affair – authentic Peranakan delicacies
Image credit: @kazuha922
Located within the Cheng Ho Museum, Straits Affair is a tea room boasting a pretty pink storefront that’s hard to miss. Head on down with your girl squad to live out your tai tai dreams over Peranakan dishes and kueh plated on fancy tiered trays.
Image credit: @jiaweyyy
Highlights of their kueh platter (RM 38) are the sweet coconut Apom Berkuah (Peranakan pancake with gula melaka and banana sauce), Pang Su Sie (original Malaccan bun filled with char siew) and signature fried Kueh Ku (fried ang ku kueh).
Image credit: Straits Affair
If you’re looking for something a little more filling Top Hat Kueh Pie Tee (RM 8) and Nyonya Laksa (RM9).
History buffs will be interested to know that Straits Affair displays antique collectibles, such as German clocks and Swedish enamel coffee holders. On top of that, the owner is also eager to share his Peranakan heritage with all cafe-goers, so dropping by here is almost like visiting a living museum.
Straits Affair
Address: 1 Jalan Tukang Besi (Blacksmith Street), 75200 Melaka
Opening hours: Mon – Tues | Thurs – Sun: 11AM-6PM (Closed on Weds)
Telephone: +60 12-605 6490
Website
7. River View Cafe – alfresco dining by the river
Image credit: @ericjudephotos
Couples who are looking for a cosy nook can head to River View Cafe, which is located right next to the river, which promises a great view to accompany your alfresco meal.
Image credit: River View Cafe
Local delicacy – Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang
Image credit: River View Cafe
River View Cafe serves up local, Indonesian, and Western Cuisine in huge portions – from the classic Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang (RM 14.50) and Kampung Fried Rice (RM 9.80) ,to Chicken Chop (RM 13) and even Seafood wontons (RM 6.50/6 pieces).
If there’s space in your tummy for dessert, complete your meal with their signature Ice Cream Mud Pie (RM 7.50), which is not overly sweet or cloying – a favourite amongst regular patrons.
River View Cafe
Address: No. 82, Jalan Kampong Pantai, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: Mon | Wed – Sunday: 10AM -10PM (Closed on Tues)
Telephone: +60 12-380 7211
Website
8. Coffee Bear Cafe – cosy cafe for the kids-at-heart
Image credit: @meixuan0329
For those who love all things cute and cuddly, Coffee Bear Cafe is for you. Be greeted by a life-sized giant teddy bear when you enter the cafe. The whole cafe is decorated with mini teddy bears for patrons to cuddle with while they dine in childhood happiness.
Image credit: Coffee Bear Cafe
Coffee Bear Cafe serves both savoury mains and desserts, but their desserts are more sought after. The cafe is also famous for its strong Espresso BOM that gives a good kick. To complete your visit there, the cafe offers a wide range of bear plushies for you to buy and take home to remember the experience – boyfriends out there please take note!
Coffee Bear Cafe
Address: No.46, Jalan KPKS 1, Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Melaka
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 12PM-12AM
Telephone: + 6016-6971013
9. Halia Inc Cafe – industrial-chic cafe with vintage decor
Image credit: Halia Inc
Also situated next to the Melaka River, Halia Inc Cafe promises beautiful views to enjoy while you dine. With high brick walls and vintage decorations like antique typewriters, film cameras, old stereos and coffee machines peppering its shelves, the cafe is a throwback to the 70s and 80s.
Halia Inc Ribeye Steak
Image credit: Tripadvisor
Halia Inc Cafe offers Western dishes such as Aussie Style Fish and Chips (RM 26) and Ribeye Steak (RM 50) – both popular amongst their regular customers because of their generous servings.
To complete your meal, be sure to try out their homemade desserts, which include their French Toast (RM 14), Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce (RM 16) and Panna Cotta (RM 16).
Halia Inc Cafe
Address: No. 1 Jalan Merdeka, Quayside Heritage Centre, Bandar Hilir, Melaka 75000
Opening Hours: 7.30AM -11PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 6-284 1011
Website
10. Backlane Coffee Shop – chocolatey desserts and drinks
Image credit: Backlane Coffee
Brightly lit and furnished with plants all around, Backlane Coffee’s spacious interior will make you feel like you’re dining in an indoor garden.
White Surprise
Image credit: Backland Cafe
They specialise in chocolate desserts and drinks at affordable prices – so you know where to make a beeline for if you’re a chocoholic. Their Milk and Dark Chocolate drinks (RM8) use Belgian chocolate for a richer chocolate flavour. To further satisfy your sweet tooth, go for the White Surprise (RM13) – a white chocolate mousse cake with a crunchy base made out of hazelnut croustillant.
The cafe changes its menu often to keep things interesting – so look forward to being surprised each time you visit.
Image credit: Backlane Cafe
Backlane Coffee Shop is located opposite the Jonker Stage, and is easily accessible from Jonker Street Market.
Backlane Coffee Shop
Address: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 9.30AM-11.30PM | Fri – Sat: 9.30AM-12AM
Telephone:+60 6-282 0542
Website
11. Paddles and Beans Cafe – decadent waffles with ice cream
Waffle with ice-cream and chocolate sauce
Image credit: @minkuan_mk
When you enter Paddles and Beans, you’re likely to spot the Banana and Chocolate Fudge with Vanilla Ice-Cream (RM 14.90) on almost every table – because this is the dish they’re most well-known for. Other toppings to choose from include oreo cookies milo powder.
If you’re here for a more substantial meal, go for their Beef Noodle Soup (RM 15.90) and Sarawak Laksa (RM 9.90), which uses sambal belacan and lemongrass for its base.
Sarawak Laksa (RM 9.90)
Image credit: letsgoholiday
Image credit: Rebecca Saw
Paddles and Beans Cafe
Address: No. 2, Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Syahbandar, Melaka, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12PM-12AM, Daily (Closed on Tues)
Telephone: +60 6-288 0368
Website
Best cafes in Malacca for brunch fare and desserts
With Malacca being so near to Singapore, just a 4-hour coach ride away, there is no reason not to plan your next cafe-hopping getaway over the weekend! Time to veer away from your usual JB adventures and journey further beyond the border – there’s so much more that awaits!